Constable Ojo Tewogbade - 2008 Bud Knight Award Recipient

Constable TEWOGBADE, affectionately known as OJO, began his career as a Parking Control Officer in 1979 with the Toronto Police Service.  He joined the ranks as a Constable in 1989, and is currently posted as the Community Relations Officer in Toronto’s 13 Division.

In addition to his training in Investigation and Advanced Police Science, he has received his Bachelor of Theology from the Canadian Christian College and is an ordained member of the clergy.

OJO has always been extremely active in his community, volunteering countless hours with a number of organizations.  During his time as Community Relations Officer, OJO has adopted a role as community advisor, mentor to youth at risk, and facilitator of community programs. 

OJO is the manager of an interfaith basketball program, funded by ProAction.  While basketball is a component of the program, its main focus is on helping youth with homework, reading, life skills and overall mentoring.  OJO was solely responsible for the inception of the program, catering to youth at risk.  One of the added bonuses is the opportunity for youth to interact with uniformed Police officers in a fun and positive environment.

OJO is the chief administrator and facilitator of a computer skills program.  The program aims are to provide computer skills to at risk youth as well as disadvantaged persons in the community.  He was solely responsible for arranging the donation of 12 refurbished computers for the program.

OJO is responsible for the administration and facilitation of tours and field trips for at risk youth.  The program aims to instil certain strengths in youth such as cultural pride, while at the same time developing an appreciation for consequences from illegal or anti-social behaviours.

For the past ten years, OJO has organized a Christmas dinner at a Toronto church for disadvantaged youth and their families.  The event has fed up to 400 people, while others in the area also benefit from the donation of food for their own Christmas dinners.

OJO has been recognized numerous times as an exemplary officer with the Toronto Police Service.  He has also been held out by several community groups, churches and corporations for his assistance in a wide variety of programs and activities.  OJO has also been recognized by many levels of government for his achievements.

OJO has not been one to seek out recognition for his efforts.  His satisfaction comes from knowing he has done the best he possibly can to make things better.  Nonetheless, he has been nominated and selected to receive a number of awards including:

• 2003 Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal
• 2004 ProAction Jack Sinclair Award
• 2006 Police Leadership Award – Police Leadership Forum of Canada
• 2007 Canadian Urban Institute Local Heroes Award
• 2007 June Callwood Outstanding Achievement Award
  – Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration

OJO’s dedication, persistence and commitment to the community, both on and off duty have been long term, far reaching and of great benefit to many.  His programs and initiatives have been innovative, effective, and copied.  They have impacted positively on the youth he reaches, and on Policing as a whole.

OJO’s vision for youth at risk can best be expressed in his own words:

 “What is wanted is not hard core criminals or the child who is well supported at home and successful in life.  What we want is the child in danger, the child who may slip through the cracks, the child that can be saved.”